Directory of Mental Health Professionals - Mental Health Association ...

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What does research show about the effectiveness of therapy?
According to a research summary from the Stanford University
School of Medicine, therapy effectively decreases patients’
depression and anxiety and related symptoms – such as pain,
fatigue and nausea. Therapy has also been found to increase
survival time for heart surgery and cancer patients, and it can
have a positive effect on the body’s immune system. Research
increasingly supports the idea that emotional and physical
health are very closely linked and that therapy can improve a
person’s overall health status.
There is convincing evidence that most people who have at
least several sessions of therapy are far better off than untreated
individuals with emotional difficulties. One major study
showed that 50% of patients noticeably improved after eight
sessions while 75% of individuals in therapy improved by the
end of six months.
Therapy with children is similar in effectiveness to therapy with
adults.
How do I find a qualified therapist?
Selecting a therapist is a highly personal matter. A professional
who works very well with one individual may not be a good
choice for another person. There are several ways to get referrals
to qualified therapist, including the following:
• Obtain a list of providers from your insurance company
• Call the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County
at 732-542-6422
• Talk to close family members and friends for their
recommendations, especially if they have had a good
experience with therapy.
• Ask your primary car physician for a referral.
• Inquire at your church or synagogue
Ideally, you will end up with more than one lead. Call and
request the opportunity, either by phone or in person to
“interview” the therapist. You should feel free to inquire about
his/her experiences helping those in your same situation; at the
level of training; and participation in insurance plans. Any fee
“scale” or ability to adjust payment can be addressed before
an appointment is made. Be sure you “shop around” to find
someone with whom you feel comfortable and confident.